My clients often ask me “how can I spend less money in the supermarket?”
One day my husband and I happened upon an ethnic grocery store. Since I’m always looking for new ways to add healthy foods to my family’s diet, I couldn’t help but look around to see if I could find something new. I noticed a brand of turmeric that I never used before. This particular brand of powdery spice was much less expensive than the one I normally purchased so I decided to try it.
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and a medicinal herb. This age old spice contains a small amount of curcumin which among many other health benefits provides a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidants.
I often put a little scoop of this orange powdery substance into my smoothie in the morning, but why was this new brand so much less expensive than the one I often used? As it turned out, this particular brand was made by a family owned food company. It was marketed as a spice, not as a health food aid.
The turmeric brand I normally purchased was made by a non-GMO verified company. I wondered if that was the only difference that affected the price. Then I noticed the one I usually purchased also contained black pepper which is essential to allow this superfood’s absorption into the body. Why was this so important?
Bioperine which is another name for piperine is responsible for the pungency of black pepper and enhances the absorption of curcumin into the body. Without this substance, most of the health benefits of turmeric just pass through your digestive tract.
In addition to powders, there are other ways to consume turmeric. One is to purchase the actual root in the produce section of your supermarket. You can juice it to add it to a smoothie or mix it in with a stir fry, much the same way as you use fresh ginger root. Another way is to purchase a dietary turmeric supplement.
According to one Consumer Review, a good turmeric extract should contain at least 95% standardized curcumin. One highly recommended supplement contained an ingredient described as the main alkaloid contained within black pepper. Another anti-inflammatory review recommended a brand with phospholipids for curcumin absorption.
Bottom Line: Continue to be curious and try new things, but be sure to find a way for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs. Perhaps you might want to add some black pepper to your turmeric!
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Do you want to learn more about eating healthier foods, balancing your gut, and enhancing your health? Let’s talk! As a Health Coach, I work with individuals and families to help them integrate healthier nutritional options into their lives. Let's get started! Contact me today to schedule a complimentary 50 minute health consultation, or pass this offer on to someone you care about!
About Me I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. In my "Balance Your Gut" program, I will help you create a completely personalized “road-map to health” that suits your unique lifestyle, preferences, and goals.
I look forward to hearing from you! In good health, *holli.